Building entrance

ABSTRACT

There is provided an improved building entrance including a system of frames, doors, and hardware which is extremely rugged and provides high performance, and is intended for applications requiring hard usage such as schools, colleges, and the like. The building entrance includes a through threshold assembly, a through head assembly, and side frame members having integrally formed longitudinally extending screw splines. Screw fasteners extend through the threshold and header assemblies into the side frames. The door is formed of generally tubular members, joined together with shear blocks and fastened by screws or welds, or both.

United States Patent 11 1 Nov. 27, 1973 Hubbard et al.

[ BUILDING ENTRANCE 3,140,763 7 19 4 1366mm 52 502 x 7 4 6 [75]Inventors: S. Eugene Hubbard,,Lawrence F. 77 9/196 Johnston 52/656 XBiebuyck both of Niles, Mich FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 867,8175/1961 Great Britain 52/207 Assignee: American Metal Climax, Inc., NewYork, NY.

Primary ExaminerAlfred C. Perham Attorney-Mason, Kolehmainen, Rathburn &Wyss [22] Filed: Oct. 22, 1971 21 A l. N .2191 714 l 1 pp 0 57 ABSTRACTRelated Apphcahon Data There is provided an improved building entrancein- Division of y 31, 1970, cluding a system of frames, doors, andhardware abandmcd' which is extremely rugged and provides highperformance, and is intended for applications requiring hard [52] US. Cl52/127, 527/207, 52/397, usage Such as Schools colleges, and the i Th52/656 building entrance includes a through threshold assem- [51] Int.Cl E06b 1/04 bly a through head assembly, and Side frame members [58]Field Of Search 52/204, 207, 397, having integrally formedlongitudinally extending 52/476 656 screw splines. Screw fastenersextend through the threshold and header assemblies into the side frames.[56] References Clted v The door is formed of generally tubular members,UNITED STATES PATENTS joined together with shear blocks and fastened by3,221,453 12/1965 Lietaert 52 235 x Screws or welds, or both- 3,016,9931/1962 Owen 52/502 X 3,068,970 12 1962 Neal 52 207 6 Clams 14 D'awmgguns ml; rrrfifififlfi fi mmnnnrmnnnrhwfly/ 4 #5 g --;iiii!l|llH-HIIIHIIZ5 v A m 1 40' //5 I 1 a i (l '7 "1| 1] l M |||1||l| lllfillllllloPatented Nov. 27, 1973 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 g mm D 5 M \w M K 1 .Y 3Q s w 5E A E W m m m m M U 4M w F a N E m M M N Z 5 6 E U m it E W Z0 v M m g Qm WM m mm w% 6 Q M v fi gm m g & w a 5 T 2% Q mm wq mm 9& 1% a .5 6% Q aan 5 1- r Q in mm 8% mm u N I'M: I N 7 E a N w 3 mm 8 R Q U 5 Q 3 Q S 3%5 x 5 \w .5 5 5 W Qm l l. V 7, A Om mws m %m QM ANN mm mm 0% PatentedNov. 27, 1973 3,774,360

6 Sheets-Sheet o 1 BUILDING ENTRANCE This application is a division ofapplication Ser. No. 59,986, filed July 31, 1970 and now abandoned.

The present invention relates to a building entrance, and particularlyto a high performance entrance suitable for use in heavy traffic areassuch as schools, colleges, and the like.

Heretofore, doors, and particularly aluminum doors, have developed intoa highly standardized product wherein the products of differentmanufacturers, and the different lines of each manufacturer, areindistinguishable with regard to both appearance and function. Differentdoors, of course, are available which differ as to style with glazing,bead design, and internal construction details. However, most of thedifferences are inconsequential and do not give a specified architectany valid reason for selecting one in preference to another. Our priorapplication Ser. No. 24,457, filed Apr. 3, 1970, provides for doorshaving appearance flexibility, and which have been proven to beextremely rugged. These doors in general emphasize design flexibilitybut are intended for use in frames of all types.

Most door entrances do not provide for functional specialization. Highperformance entrances particularly suited for schools and collegesprovide one area for such functional specialization. Thus, functionalspecialization with superior weather-tightness is desirable in suchstructures. Although weather-tightness may be of little importance incommercial entrances in which the doors are open for substantialportions of the time when the building is occupied, it becomesincreasingly important in the specification of entrances which will beclosed except at certain peak traffic periods. Another area forfunctional specialization is in security. While security can never beconsidered to be of minor importance, it may be more important onlightly guarded buildings having multiple entrances than onsingle-entrance commercial establishments that can be adequatelyprotected by alarm systems or otherwise. Still another area forspecialization is the entrance hardware which, traditionally, is offtheshelf material not designed specifically to fit any given doors.Often the mounting of general purpose hardware seriously impairs thestructural properties of the doors themselves. Moreover, the hardware isnot generally designed to provide proper appearance characteristics incombination with specified doors. Finally, an additional importantconsideration is'structural integrity, both in doors and in theirsupporting frames. In this respect, the frames appear to be the worseoffender. Typical frames are incapable of carrying the structural loadscharacteristic of school and college entrances, either in their joints,their ability to support the hinges and pivots, or their attachment tothe building structure.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved high performance entrance for a building.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a buildingentrance having superior weather tightness.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of abuilding entrance affording maximum security.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of abuilding entrance adapted for receiving hardware without impairing thestructural properties of the entrance components.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved building entrance having improved structural integrity.

In accordance with these and many other objects of the invention, thereis provided an improved building entrance assembly including framemembers designed for stiffness and strength, for positive joining to oneanother, and for the avoidance of weakening cutouts where hardware isconcerned. The entrance system includes door members designed so theyare unusually stiff, and may be assembled into stiff strong doors.Moreover the members are designed in such a way that their stiffness andstrength are not impaired by the attachment of hinges, pivots, closers,holders, and locks.

The members of the frame system, like the doors, are designed forstiffness and strength, for positive joinery to one another, and for theavoidance of weakening cutouts where hardware mustbe installed. Theframe system, while completely self-contained, is compatible visuallyand dimensionally with other systems of framing. Particular attentionhas been given to the provision of adequate means for the attachment ofthe frames to the building structure.

The door and frame systems are mated one to the other in such a way asto provide for extraordinary weathertightness and security againstforced entry. Each door leaf is double-weathered on three sides, and issingle-weathered, drained, and pressure-relieved at the sill. Each doorleaf interlocks with its jambs in such a way that with the lock engaged,it cannot be pried open without tearing metal, nor can it be opened byremoval of the hinge pins. In neither the doors nor the supportingframes are there any removable glass stops accessible from the outside.

In accordance with the present invention, the new and improved buildingentrance includes a framing having a through threshold assembly and athrough header assembly, interconnected by tubular side frame members.The side frame members have integrally formed longitudinally extendingscrew splies so that screw fasteners can extend through the thresholdand header assemblies into the screw spindles affording strong, rigidframe joints. Moreover, in the present door system each member of thedoor is designed to meet a different set of structural, functional,geometrical, and equipment demands, and accordingly each member has beendesigned especially to do its own job. To this end, there are providedlock and hinge stile members, bottom rails, and top rails, all oftubular structure with outwardly extending side flanges and cooperatingto provide improved weathering and security properties. The members ofthe door are joined by being bolted and welded through joint blocks,similar to those heretofore described in our prior-mentioned copendingpatent application.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may behad to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a typical entrance according tothe present invention;

. FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view of the entrance of FIG. 1,taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view of the entrance of FIG. 1, takenalong line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional plan view of the entrance of FIG. 1, takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the entrance of FIG. 1, takenalong line 55 of FIG. 1, and illustrating the joint between the transombar and a through side frame member;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the entrance of FIG. 1,taken along line 66 of FIG. 1, and illustrating the joint between anintermediate vertical frame member and the transom bar;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the entrance of FIG. 1, takenalong line 7 7 thereof, and illustrating a threshold-to-side framemember joint;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the entrance of FIG. 1, takenalong line 8-8 thereof, and illustrating the top rail-to-side framejoint;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of a door lockstile-to-lower rail connection, taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the door lockstile-to-lower rail connection, taken along line l0-l0 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 1l1l of FIG. 1, andillustrating a typical hinge joint;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the entrance of FIG. 1,illustrating the header assembly-toside frame member joint;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the connectionbetween the threshold and the side frame member; and

FIG. 14 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view illustrating thejoint between the lock stile of the door and the top and bottom rails ofthe door.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there isillustrated a typical building entrance 20 which, in the illustratedembodiment, includes a through threshold assembly 22, a through headassembly 23, and a pair of interconnecting side frame members 24 and 25.In addition, there is provided a transom member 28 abutting against theside frame members 24 and 25, and a cripple jamb assembly 29, extendingbetween the threshold assembly 22 and the transom member 28. The frameassembly forms a plurality of openings for supporting a fixed transompanel 30 of glass or other suitable material, a fixed sidelight panel 31of glass or other suitable material, and an opening 32 closeable with adoor 35.

Referring now to the construction of the door 35, it will be understoodthat in obtaining maximum performance of a door system each member ofthe door must meet a different set of structural, functional,geometrical, and equipment demands, and for this reason each member isdesigned to do its own job, and has not been compromised to do someother job in addition. Accordingly, referring to the door structure asbest illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, l0, and 14, the door is formed of athrough lock stile assembly 38, a through pivot stile assembly 39, abottom rail assembly 40, and a top rail assembly 41 which areinterconnected to support a door panel 42 of glass or other suitablematerial.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 9, and 14, the basic lock stile includesa tubular stile member 44 and an assembled stile cap 45. The stilemember 44 includes inner and outer inwardly extending side flanges 44a,44b to define a glass pocket 46. The stile end of the stile member 44has an outer outwardly extending flange 44c having an inwardly extendinggroove 44d on the inner surface of its side wall. A second inwardlyextending groove Me is defined in the inner side wall of the stilemember 44 adjacent the tubular portion thereof. The confronting grooves44d and 44e are adapted to slidably receive the stile cap 45.

Referring to the stile cap 45, the stile cap includes an inwardlyextending tongue 48 which, with the inner wall of the lock stileassembly 38, defines a groove 49. Moreover the stile cap 45 willnormally never be removed from the door after assembly, and accordinglyhas been designed in the illustrated embodiment with interlocking ribs45a, 45b, FIG. 14, as a slide-in member rather than a snap-in member. Totake up installation clearance and to prevent rattling, the interlockingribs 45a, 45b of the stile cap 45 may be crimped locally before it isput into place. Alternatively the ribs may be stacked into position orsecured by suitable adhesive.

The stile member 44 includes a pair of spaced tranverse webs 44f, 44gforming the tubular portion thereof, and the stile cap 45 covers holes50, FIG. 14, formed in the web 44f through which assembly screws areinserted. Moreover, the tongue 48 with the groove 49 will interlock witha similar tongue and groove in the door stop to form a tortuousweathering path. Since the stile cap 45 performs a security function aswell as covering up the assembly screws, it is deliberately designed asa heavy wall extrusion. No door equipment is attached to the stile cap,and the lock, for example, can be secured directly to the web 44f of thestile member 44.

The stile member 44 accepts suitable glass adapters or stops 51, FIG. 4,similar to those described in our previously mentioned copendingapplication.

The pivot stile assembly 39, best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 11, istypical and includes a stile member 53 provided with inwardly extendinginner and outer face flanges 53a, 53b defining a glass pocket 54. Inaddition, the stile member 53 includes an outer, outwardly extendingflange 53c and an inner, outwardly extending tongue 55. The stile memberis provided with spaced transverse webs 53d, 53c forming a tubularportion. The other surface of the web 53e is provided with a suitablereentrant groove 53f, and the inner wall of the outwardly extendingprojection 53c is provided with an inwardly extending groove 533 whichtogether receive interlocking parts of a pivot stile cap 56. The stilecap 56, as with the lock stile cap 45, is a heavy member designed for aslide-in fit with the stile, and suitable means such as local crimpingor staking is preferably provided to keep the stile cap 56 fromrattling. The stile cap 56, along with the tongue 55, in combinationdefine a groove 57 which when the door is closed will interlock with asimilar tongue and groove in the door stop. The interlocking tongues andgrooves in the lock stile are on the inside face of the stile, and onthe jamb face of the pivot stile, providing increased security for theentrance.

As best illustrated in FIG. 11, the space between the stile cap 56 andthe web 53:: is for the accommodation of hinges and pivots withoutrequiring cutouts in the heavy portions of the stile. In mounting hingesor pivots, the cutout is in the stile cap 56. On the stile, only theflange 53c is cut out, as is required to pass the thickness of the hingeor pivot leaf. The hinge or pivot leaf is secured directly to the outerweb 53c. The angular inclination of the outer surface of the outer web53e has been selected to permit the direct attachment of availableoffset pivots and butt hinges.

A suitable deep-pocket glass stop or adapter 60 is used in the glasspocket 54 of the pivot stile member 53.

The typical bottom rail assembly 40 is similar to that more fullydescribed in our above-mentioned copending application and, referringparticularly to FIGS. 3 and 14, the bottom rail assembly 40 includes atubular extruded bottom member 62 having inner and outer faces 62a, 62binterconnected by transverse webs 62c, 62d intermediate their length,thereby providing an upper glass pocket 63 and a lower downwardlyopening pocket 64. The downwardly opening pocket 64 provides for theaccommodation of commercially available door closer pivot arms. Thedimensions and details of the glass pocket 63 are typical to those of ashallow pocket, and it accepts the shallow glass stop 51 heretoforedescribed.

lntegrally formed with the bottom member 62 are a plurality oflongitudinally extending screw splines 65, formed at the juncture of thefaces 62a, 62b and webs 62c, 62d. As best illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10,and 14, and more fully described in the above-mentioned copendingapplication, forces are transmitted from the stile assemblies 38 and 39to the rail assemblies 40 and 41 through suitable joint blocks 67, 68.For this purpose shoulders 65a are provided on the screw splines 65 toreact forces transmitted by the joint blocks. Suitable fastening screws69 fasten through the inner web of the respective stile members into thescrew splines 65 for joining the stiles to the rails.

Typical top rail assemblies 41 are best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 14and include a top rail member 70 of generally tubular cross sectionhaving an inner face 70a, an outer web 70b, and spaced transverse webs70c, 70d interconnecting the face 70a andweb 70b. Screw splines 71 areprovided for securing the stiles to the top rail member 70 through thejoint blocks 67 by the screws 69. For this purpose, suitable bearingsurfaces 70e, 70f are provided within the tubular structure of the railmember 70. An outer removable face member 74 is provided for glazingaccess. It interlocks with the rail member 70 and is fastened thereto bysuitable screws 75, FIG. 3. The interlock and screws are, of course,inaccessible unless the door is open, and are therefore, safe withrespect to unauthorized entry. The removable face is located on theoutside of the head rail to permit its removal for reglazing withouthaving to unmount the door closer and to give a solid web 70a to whichthe closer may be mounted. The face member 74, with the face 70a,provides a downwardly opening glazing pocket 76 which will receive deepglass stops or adapters 60.

It is recognized that the entrance frame members are subject to anentirely different set of structural and functional requirements fromthose governing the design of glass holding systems generally.Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention there is provideda frame system for the entrance which is specialized to meet theexacting high performance requirements. The entrance frame and thesurrounding. glass holding members accordingly preserve visual compatibility both with the door and the adjacent glass structure. However, theentrance framing is designed to different criteria to satisfy thespecific functional requirements of the entrance.

Typical jamb or side frame members 29, 24, and 25 are best illustratedin FIG. 4. As therein illustrated, each of the side frame assemblies 24and 25 and the cripple jamb assembly 29 are formed of tubular extrudedmembers having the usual shallow and deep glass glazing pockets. As iswell known in the glazing art, customarily a deep and shallow pocketwill face each other. Accordingly, the framing system is provided withside frame members wherein the shallow pocket and the deep pocket facethe door. More specifically,,referring to FIG. 4, the side frame members24 and 29 are formed of an extruded member 80, while the jamb assembly25 is formed of an extruded member 90. Each of the extruded members 80,90 is provided with opposed shallow glazing pockets 81, 91 and deepglazing pockets 82, 92. For strength and stiffness, the extruded members80, 90 are provided with heavy faces 80a, a and 80b, 90b interconnectedby transverse webs 80c, 80d, 80e, and 80f and 90c, 90d, 90e, and 90f,with the respective glazing pockets. The webs 80e, 80f and 90c, 90dfacing the door itself are formed thick to provide ample metal for screwattachment of hinges, pivots, and transom bar shear blocks. The sideaway from the door matches in thickness the wall of compatible systems,and the glass pocket on the side away from the door is also identical tocorresponding pockets of other glazing systems. On the side towards thedoor, there is a partial glass pocket, as shown at 91 and 82, which atits inside matches the glazing pockets of other systems. However, one ofthe transverse webs, here shownas 80f, 90d, is recessed to provide forthe mounting of hinges and pivots without the need for mortises and buttstraps. The recess depth is adequate for commercially available heavyduty pivots and hinges. A flange 80g, 903 extends outwardly of therecessed faces and will be cut away as required to provide clearance forthe hinges or pivots.

The partial glass pockets facing the door along with the recessed websprovide for the retention of weathering door stops, here shown as lockstops 95 and hinge stops 96. These pockets along with a suitable glazingadapter or glass stop 97 will adapt the extruded members 80, 90 toaccept glazing.

integrally extruded with the extruded members 80, 90 are a plurality ofscrew splines 99 for the attachment of the respective assemblies to thesill and header. The screw splines 99 in the illustrated embodiment arelocated adjacent the heavy webs 80e, 80f and 90c, 90d so that the metalsurrounding the screw splines 99 is located advantageously with regardto strength and stiffness.

It will be seen that the extruded members 80 and 90 are identical to oneanother, except that the positions of the deep and shallow pockets arereversed. These members will be used in pairs andwill define the outsidelimits of the entrance assembly. Two members are required in order thatthe succession of deep and shallow pockets required for flush glazingwill not have to be broken at entrances. With two members, glazing oftransom lights and lights adjacent to entrances is normal, regardless ofhow many entrances occur on a particular project.

Wherever an entrance contains more than one door, or where required thecombination of doors and side lights, a member analogous to the extrudedmembers 80 and 90 may be provided wherein both pockets are partial, withboth sides recessed, and both sides thereby accepting all standard doorstops and glazing fillers as the remainder of the system.

Referring to the typical transom member 28, FIGS. 2, 6, and 12, thetransom member includes many of the design features of the extrudedmembers 80, 90 heretofore described, and is formed of an extrudedtubular structure having shallow and deep glazing pockets 101, 102 andincluding face portions 28a, 28b interconnected by transverse webs 28c,28d, 28e, and 28f. The web 28e is recessed to provide for receiving doorstops and glazing stops, and the face 28a has. a downwardly projectingflange 28g having a somewhat V-shaped groove 28h in its lower transversesurface defining a drip peculiar to transom bars.

The lower pocket 101 is the usual shallow glazing pocket; the upperpocket 102 is proportioned nominally a deep pocket, but having excessdepth only sufficient to accommodate suitable glass setting blocks 103.Thus, the deep glazing pocket 102 of the transom bar does not functionin the same manner as the deep glazing pockets heretofore described inthe vertical sections.

To provide for attachment of the transom bar to the side frameassemblies 24 and 25, the transom member 28 is extruded with a pluraityof longitudinally extending integrally formed screw spindles 104 and, asbest illustrated in FIG. 12, suitable screw fastenings may secure thevertical members such as the side frame assemblies 24 and 25 directly tothe transom member 28 by screws 105. Suitable plugs 106 may be used toclose the screw openings in the outer wall of the vertical members.

The threshold 22 runs continuously under all vertical entrance framemembers, and as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 13, the vertical framemembers will be coped at the bottom to fit the upper profile of thethreshold. Screws 107 are driven up through the threshold into the screwsplines 99 formed in the vertical frame members.

The threshold also forms the structural connection between the entranceframe and the supporting floor structure. It has ample flat surface areaunderneath to permit it to be effectively shimmed where necessary, and apad 22a at the center line will provide suitable surface through whichanchor screws may be driven without dangerof deforming the thresholdassembly.

The head assembly 23, best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8, and 12, includes aheader 110 which is analogous in its structural function to thethreshold just described inv that, like the threshold, it runscontinuously over all vertical members and is secured by flat headscrews 111 driven into the screw splines of the vertical members. Thelower surface of the header 110 is flat, except for downwardly extendingstop detents 112, 113. The stop detents 112, 113 are cut away wherevertical members are joined to the header, as best illustrated in FIGS.8 and 12. This will permit the vertical members to be square cut in thefield to adapt to local opening height variations.

Like the threshold 22, the header 110 provides the means for securingthe entrance frame to the supporting building structure. It is flat atits upper surface so that it an be conveniently shimmed to thesupporting structure and so that installation screws can be drawn tightwithout danger of deforming the extrusion. Such installation screws willin service be subjected to shear rather than to bending, and will bemuch more efficient than in present commerical frames.

The head assembly 23 additionally includes suitable glass stops oradapters 115, FIG. 2, for retaining the glazing.

A suitable side light base assembly 118, FIG. 2, is provided between theverticals to support a side light portion. The side light base assemblyincludes a body portion 119 and a face portion 120. The body portion 119has the same visible height as the door bottom rail 40. It provides fora deep pocket clearance at the top, and interlocks with a thresholdprojection 121 and provides a pocket 122 therewith for caulking 123. Atrough 124 in a glazing pocket 125 serves to retain setting blocks, andthe trough is pierced to provide openings 126 at suitable intervals topermit drainage of infiltrated water from the pocket 125. An innerupstanding flange 127 functions as a dam to prevent water fromoverflowing to the interior and also servesto retain the face portion120. The pocket 125 is drained and vented to the outside by suitableslots 128.

The face portion 120 is located on the inside of the building so that itis not accessible for tampering when the building is closed. Itinterlocks near the threshold with interlocking portions as shown at129, and snaps into the projecting shelf 127 of the body portion 119. Ahookshaped portion 130 allows for the insertion of a screw driver bladefor disengagement in the event that reglazing becomes necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the jambs and transom member previouslydescribed are adapted to receive doors by means of special weatheringdoor stops, including the door stop 95 at the lock end of the doorsecured to the cripple jamb assembly 29; the door stop 96 at the hingeside of the door secured to the side frame assembly 25, and the upperdoor stop 134 interlocked with the transom member 28. Referring first tothe weathering stop 95 at the lock jamb, the door stop 95 is ininterlocking, slide-in fit with the cripple jamb assembly 29 at itsouter face, adjacent the recessed web 80f, and interlocking withinterlocking portions of the cripple jamb assembly 29, including thegasket groove of the glazing pocket 82. A flange 95a is provided forscrews 136 to be inserted from the opposite glazing pocket. Where thestop is used in the deep pocket as shown, suitable spacers will berequired; where the stop is used in a shallow pocket, the flange 95awill seat directly on the bottom of the glazing pocket.

The door stop 95 is dimensioned so as to have the door set back into theframe to clear the drip 28h of the transom bar.

The door stop 95 interlocks with the door stile cap 45, including aninwardly extending finger 95b of the door stop 95 interfitting into thegroove 49 formed between the tongue 48 and the lock stile member 44, toprovide a tortuous path for the infiltration of weathering. Moreover,the finger 95b forms a gasket pocket 137 receiving suitable weatheringgasket 138 against which the tongue 48 seats. In addition, a secondweathering gasket 139 fits within a gasket channel 140. Thus, there aretwo lines of weathering; a wiper gasket 139 near the outer edge of thedoor, and a bulb gasket 138 at the interlock.

The stop interlocks make it impossible to pry the door and frame apartto disengage the lock and tongue.

The weathering door stop 96 at the pivot jamb is also a slidinginterlock with the side frame assembly 25, having interfitting andinterlocking parts including a rib fitting within the glazing channel ofthe glass pocket 91.

The door stop 96 includes an inner flange 96a which, in the illustratedshallow pocket, bottoms against the bottom of the pocket, but which in adeep pocket, would require spacing blocks, and is secured by'suitablescrews 141 to the deep pocket 92.

A projecting flange 53h extends into the channel 96a formed in the doorstop 96 to interlock therewith in a tortuous path. The inner surface ofthe outstanding leg 96c is provided along its inner surface with agasket channel 96f, and a suitable weathering gasket 143 is provided forinterlocking with the projection or tongue 53h. In addition, aweathering gasket channel 96g adjacent the outer edge of the door stop96 is provided for carrying a second weathering gasket 144.

Thus, the pocket 96c accepts the wiper gasket 143 sealing against thetongue 53h, and the gasket channel 96 accepts the bulb-type gasket 144sealing against the hinge stile cap 56 to provide double-weatheringalong the hinge edge of the door. Moreover, the door 35 interlocksthrough the tongue 53h into the groove 960 when closed so that the doorwill be kept effectively closed even though the hinges or pivots aredestroyed, thus providing uperior security to the door.

The weathering door stop 134, FIG. 3, used at the transom bar, like thedoor stops previously shown, is a sliding interlocking fit with thetransom bar and is provided with a suitable flange 134a with which itmay be screw-fastened in place from the opposite glazing pocket. Thedrip 28h referred to earlier as a reason for the back set of the door inits frame extends outwardly of the door stop 134. The door stop 134includes a downwardly extending projection 134b along its inner edge,and has an outwardly facing gasket retaining channel 134:: in theoutwardly facing side .wall of the projection 134b, supporting suitableweathering gasket 145. Additionally adjacent the outer edge thereof, the

stop 134 includes a weathering channel 134d supporting a weatheringgasket 146. Thus, along the upper edge of the door 35 there is a doubleline of weathering, with an outer wiper gasket and an inner bulb gasket.

The lower inner edge of the door, at the bottom rail assembly 40,engages against a weathering gasket 147 supported within a gasketchannel 148 formed in the threshold member 22 of the building entrance.The outer edge of the door 35 is spaced apart from the threshold member22 to provide a pressure equalizing slot 149.

The glass stops 97 of the present system are slide-fit into theirassociated frame members. The glass stops 51 and used in the door 35readily snap into place. The glass stops 115 in the header assembly alsosnap into place. Specifically the stop detents 112 have outwardlydirected toe portions 1 12a, FIG. 2, and the stop detents 113 have lowercam surfaces 113a inclined inwardly and upwardly terminating inconfronting projecting portions. The glass stops 115 have parts 115ainterfitting over the toe portions 1 12a and complimentary cam surfaces115b terminating in outwardly projecting portions interlocked over theconfronting portions. A glazing channel 114 is defined between the glassstops 115.

From the above detailed description of the building entrance, it will beseen that there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, ahigh performance entrance including a frame, door, and supportingstructure for applications which may be subjected to heavy use andperhaps abuse. There is provided a superior 10 system having improvedstrength and rigidity, security and weathering.

Although the present invention has been described by reference to only asingle embodiment thereof, it will beapparent that numerous othermodifications and embodiments will be devised by those skilled in theart which will fall within the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

What is'claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

1.' A building entrance of the type including a door opening andcomprising:

a through threshold assembly having an element for defining a door stopand further adapted to receive a fixed panel;

a through header assembly;

a plurality of frame members having integrally formed longitudinallyextending screw splines;

said plurality of frame members, threshold assembly and header assemblydefining a plurality of openings including a door opening and openingsfor supporting fixed panels;

a door operatively assembled in said door opening;

screw fasteners extending through said threshold assembly into saidscrew splines; and

screw fasteners extending through said header assembly into said screwsplines. I

2. A building entrance of the type including a door opening andcomprising:

a through threshold assembly;

a header assembly including a sill member running through, said sillmember having a plurality of downwardly extending detents receivingstops;

tubular frame members having internally formed longitudinally extendingintegral screw ,splines, the end of said frame members joining said sillmember being square cut at their upper ends;

said plurality of frame members, threshold assembly and header assemblydefining a plurality of openings including a door opening and openingsfor supporting fixed panels;

a door operatively assembled in said door opening;

screw fasteners extending through said threshold as sembly into saidscrew splines; and

screw fasteners extending through said sill member into said screwsplines.

3. A building entrance as set forth in claim 2 and including a tubulartransom bar running between the end ones of frame members and havingintegrally formed internal, longitudinally extending screw splines, andscrew fasteners extending through said side frame members into thelast-mentioned screw splines.

4. A building entrance as set forth in claim 3 wherein said tubularframes each include inner and outer webs, and wherein said webs areprovided with aligned openings to receive the last-mentioned screwfasteners, the openings in said outer webs being sufficiently large topermit passage of the heads of said screw fasteners, and furtherincluding plugs closing said aligned openings.

5. A building entrance as set forth in claim 2 wherein said sill membercomprises a generally flat plate portion adapted to be secured to abuilding opening said detents including a pair of outer, downwardlyextending detents having outwardly directed toe portions, and a pair ofinner, downwardly extending detents having lower cam surfaces inclinedinwardly and upwardly terminating in confronting projecting portions,said sill member including glass stops associated with said detentshaving interfitting parts over said toe portions and complimentary camsurfaces terminating in outwardly projecting portions, said lastmentioned cam surfaces being fitted over the first mentioned camsurfaces with the outwardly projecting portions interlocked over saidconfronting portions, a glazing channel being defined be-tween saidglass stops.

6. A building entrance of the type including a door opening andcomprising:

a plurality of vertical frame members having integrally formedlongitudinally extending screw splines;

a through header assembly;

a through threshold assembly running continuously under all saidvertical frame members and including a vertically extending longitudinalrib;

said plurality of vertical frame members, threshold assembly and headerassembly defining a plurality of openings including a door opening andopenings for supporting fixed panels;

a door operatively assembled in said door opening;

screw fasteners extending through said threshold assembly into saidscrew splines;

screw fasteners extending through said header assembly into said screwsplines; and

at least one fixed panel in a panel opening having means along its loweredge fixedly interlocking with said rib; and

weathering means supported by said rib and defining a door stop.

1. A building entrance of the type including a door opening andcomprising: a through threshold assembly having an element for defininga door stop and further adapted to receive a fixed panel; a throughheader assembly; a plurality of frame members having integrally formedlongitudinally extending screw splines; said plurality of frame members,threshold assembly and header assembly defining a plurality of openingsincluding a door opening and openings for supporting fixed panels; adoor operatively assembled in said door opening; screw fastenersextending through said threshold assembly into said screw splines; andscrew fasteners extending through said header assembly into said screwsplines.
 2. A building entrance of the type including a door opening andcomprising: a through threshold assembly; a header assembly including asill member running through, said sill member having a plurality ofdownwardly extending detents receiving stops; tubular frame membershaving internally formed longitudinally extending integral screwsplines, the end of said frame members joining said sill member beingsquare cut at their upper ends; said plurality of frame members,threshold assembly and header assembly defining a plurality of openingsincluding a door opening and openings for supporting fixed panels; adoor operatively assembled in said door opening; screw fastenersextending through said threshold assembly into said screw splines; andscrew fasteners extending through said sill member into said screwsplines.
 3. A building entrance as set forth in claim 2 and including atubular transom bar running between the end ones of frame members andhaving integrally formed internal, longitudinally extending screwsplines, and screw fasteners extending through said side frame membersinto the last-mentioned screw splines.
 4. A building entrance as setforth in claim 3 wherein said tubular frames each include inner andouter webs, and wherein said webs are provided with aligned openings toreceive the last-mentioned screw fasteners, the openings in said outerwebs being sufficiently large to permit passage of the heads of saidscrew fasteners, and further including plugs closing said alignedopenings.
 5. A building entrance as set forth in claim 2 wherein saidsill member comprises a generally flat plate portion adapted to besecured to a building opening said detents including a pair of outer,downwardly extending detents having outwardly directed toe portions, anda pair of inner, downwardly extending detents having lower cam surfacesinclined inwardly and upwardly terminating in confronting projectingportions, said sill member including Glass stops associated with saiddetents having interfitting parts over said toe portions andcomplimentary cam surfaces terminating in outwardly projecting portions,said last mentioned cam surfaces being fitted over the first mentionedcam surfaces with the outwardly projecting portions interlocked oversaid confronting portions, a glazing channel being defined be-tween saidglass stops.
 6. A building entrance of the type including a door openingand comprising: a plurality of vertical frame members having integrallyformed longitudinally extending screw splines; a through headerassembly; a through threshold assembly running continuously under allsaid vertical frame members and including a vertically extendinglongitudinal rib; said plurality of vertical frame members, thresholdassembly and header assembly defining a plurality of openings includinga door opening and openings for supporting fixed panels; a dooroperatively assembled in said door opening; screw fasteners extendingthrough said threshold assembly into said screw splines; screw fastenersextending through said header assembly into said screw splines; and atleast one fixed panel in a panel opening having means along its loweredge fixedly interlocking with said rib; and weathering means supportedby said rib and defining a door stop.